If you’ve noticed centella asiatica — aka tiger grass, aka gotu kola, aka Indian pennywort — popping up in your beauty products, you’re not alone. The herb known by many names has become the It ingredient for 2018, mainly due to its restorative properties. There’s even a legend of Asian tigers rolling in centella asiatica to heal battle wounds.
Actually, centella asiatica has been proven to aid in skin recovery, making it a prime pick for combating redness or irritated skin. But it doesn’t stop there. It also builds collagen, stimulates cell growth and even improves circulation. Why is the herb such a multitasker? Because it’s rich in antioxidants, amino acids and phytochemicals. Plus, it’s antimicrobial.
That explains why we’re suddenly seeing the wonder ingredient in everything from serums to foundations to hair products. Even big name brands like L’Oréal Paris, Lancôme and Kiehl’s are getting in on the action.
Want to see if the hype is real? Here are 11 products boasting centella asiatica as the key to fix all your beauty woes.
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Centella Asiatica
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Dr.Jart+
Cicapair Tiger Grass Re.Pair Serum, $46 at Sephora
If super sensitive skin has you seeing red, this is the serum for you. The highly concentrated formula has potent capsules containing centella asiatica to calm skin down. Simply apply a moderate amount and gently pat for maximum absorption. Follow up with Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream for extra soothing.
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Huda Beauty
#FauxFilter Foundation, $40 at Huda Beauty
Beauty blogger and makeup maverick Huda Kattan’s Huda Beauty brand has made a name for itself with everything from false lashes to lip liners. And her latest foundation drop has been selling out everywhere due to its inclusive range of shades. The velvety formula comes in an impressive 30 shades and features superhero ingredients argan oil and centella asiatica to keep skin hydrated while blurring imperfections for an Instagram-worthy complexion.
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L'Oréal Paris
Revitalift Cicacream Anti-Wrinkle + Skin Barrier Repair, $13.99 at Target
Centella asiatica can also work wonders on wrinkles. Teamed with powerful wrinkle fighter Pro-Retinol, the herb helps strengthen and repair the skin barrier to help combat visible lines, loss of firmness and other signs of aging. While you’ll notice immediate results, the product really shines after several weeks when firmness, elasticity and even tone improve. Use morning and night for supple skin.
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Lancôme
Advanced Génifique Sensitive Antioxidant Serum, $78 at Sephora
This serum is pretty pricey, but worth the investment. The dual antioxidant serum includes pure ferulic acid and vitamin E with a soothing base of centella asiatica to instantly calm irritated skin. It also protects against environmental aggressors like pollution, infrared radiation and UVA rays by strengthening your skin against free radicals.
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Neogen
Canadian Clay Pore Cleanser, $27 at Soko Glam
If you’re a fan of bubbling face masks, you’re going to love this foaming cleanser. Its unique blend of carbonated water, kaolin clay and centella asiatica extract makes a clean sweep, instantly banishing blackheads, makeup and excess sebum. You only need to swap it into the rotation once or twice a week in place of your usual cleanser to see results. Plus, it acts as a gentle exfoliator to keep your skin glowing.
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Kiehl's
Centella Recovery Skin-Salve, $43 at Kiehl's
With at-home microdermabrasion on the rise, irritated skin has also seen an uptick. This salve soothes and conditions temporarily inflamed skin thanks to centella asiatica that contains a mix of beneficial alkaloids and minerals. Add in hydration boosters aloe and honey and your irritated skin will recover in no time.
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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Clinical Concentrate Hydration Booster, $68 at Sephora
Skin needs as much hydration as it can get, especially in winter. This time-released concentrate not only supplies that moisture courtesy of hyaluronic chronospheres, but also helps seal it in. Centella asiatica provides anti-aging and healing benefits while supporting natural collagen, while watermelon extract helps fight free radical damage. You can apply directly to problem areas or use as a booster by mixing a few drops into your serum or foundation.
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Nooni
Moisture-On Deep Water Therapy Boosting Mist, $16 at Ulta
Love products that serve double duty? Well, this boosting mist actually takes the place of three products in your beauty routine: toner, essence and emulsion. It rejuvenates skin with pure, mineral-rich sea water. It also includes centella asiatica and witch hazel to relieve irritation along with argan oil and aloe vera to moisturize. Spray on after removing makeup or to give your skin a quick shot of hydration throughout the day.
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John Masters Organics
Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment & Volumizer for Thinning Hair, $23 at John Masters Organics
You’ll even find the trendy herb in hair care products since it’s used to strengthen hair follicles. It also has scalp-saving benefits as it nourishes and increases blood circulation. John Masters Organics’ scalp treatment combines the wonder ingredient with 16 other certified-organic herbs and essential oils to safely stimulate new hair growth.
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Verso
Intense Facial Mask, $75 at Barneys
Retinol is beloved for its ability to improve the pesky signs of aging, but add in centella asiatica and the benefits increase. We’re talking softer, firmer and younger-looking skin. This hydrating face mask relies on hydrogel technology to help its ingredients penetrate skin, providing up to 30 hours of moisture. At $75, it’s on the more expensive side, so use this treatment as an occasional treat for parched complexions.
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Erborian
Touch Pen Complexion Sculptor and Concealer, $31 at Sephora
Touching up has never been so easy thanks to this easy-to-use pen. Boasting a sponge tip applicator that allows for precise product placement, the pen can help even out complexions. Enriched with smoothing centella asiatica, it produces a translucent veil that covers up everything from dark circles to imperfections.
